Study Exposes Alarming Levels of Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in Ethiopia

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) defines Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) as “an act of violence perpetrated by one or more individuals that is committed, assisted, aggravated, and amplified in part or fully by the use of information and communication technologies or digital media, against a person on the basis of their gender.” While online abuse affects both men and women, the magnitude and extent are different. Women face gendered stereotypes, mockery, and irony more than their male counterparts. Experts explain that TFGBV and day-to-day gender-based violence (GBV) share the commonality of being rooted in power imbalances and societal norms that perpetuate inequality. However, there are distinct differences in their manifestations and impacts. GBV includes physical, economic, and psychological violence happening in personal relationships or public spaces. In contrast, TFGBV involves the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to harass, threaten, or violate the privacy of individuals, typically women and girls. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene takes a look at how TFGBV is affecting women in their daily lives and hindering their online engagement.

The Psychosocial Impact of Forced Relocation in Addis Ababa

The Addis Ababa City Administration has undertaken several changes in the city in the past few years. Building parks and museums and renovating historical sites like Meskel Square have been part of these citywide renovations. In the past few months, the Corridor Development Project, funded by the city with an expansive 42 billion birr budget, has been taking place. The project is already uplifting the city’s image by renovating the looks of public spaces to be more glamorous. The project will raise the international standard of the town and make Addis Ababa more tourist-friendly.

While the project’s importance is acknowledged, its effect on the displaced residents without due preparations and early notice has been a hot topic. Residents in areas where the city renovation with improved public space occurred complain about needing more time to prepare and relocate. They mentioned they needed to be provided with a suitable home as a replacement. Such a rushed way of relocating residents will have a psychosocial burden on elders and even others. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene takes a closer look at how the people have been affected.

One of the most concerning health challenges facing modern society is obesity. Obesity increases a person’s risk of developing many health problems. Studies show that people with obesity die younger than people who have a healthy weight. The studies also show that the risk of death goes up the heavier a person is. The degree of increased risk depends on how long the person has had obesity and what other medical problems they have. People with “central obesity,” those carrying extra weight in the belly area, might also be at risk of dying younger. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene takes a closer look at this health issue and how it affects Ethiopians.